How do I get medical treatment in Brazil?
In Brazil, medical care can be provided in
health centers, hospitals or even directly at home. Services are delivered by healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses.
With international health insurance, you'll enjoy greater flexibility in your choice of healthcare providers and you'll be covered for treatment outside Brazil through their medical network. With your insurance certificate, you’ll also be able to seek treatment in private hospitals.
In an emergency, call
192 for assistance. For less urgent health problems, we advise making an appointment.
How do I obtain an international health insurance certificate?
To obtain this certificate, you need to take out
international health insurance. At MSH, your certificate is available as soon as you’re enrolled in the plan, directly in your
Members’ Area!
Healthcare for women in Brazil
Women's health is a priority in Brazil. However, access to specific types of care such as gynecology and obstetrics can vary from region to region. In large cities, there are specialized private clinics that offer a wide range of services, from screening to maternity care. In rural areas, however, access to these services may be limited.
When it comes to covering maternity costs, having reliable health insurance is essential to ensure your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible.
The SUS provides maternity care. However, But given the challenges of overcrowded public hospitals, many women turn to the private sector for these services. Some insurance plans offer specific coverage and benefits for
prenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal care, so be sure to check these points if they apply to you.
Medical tourism is also becoming increasingly popular for certain specialized services (fertility treatments, beauty treatments, etc.). See the paragraph below for more information on medical tourism!
Medical tourism in Brazil
Brazil is a top destination for
medical tourism. This sector is booming, thanks in particular to the quality of care on offer (especially in private hospitals that have state-of-the-art medical equipment and highly qualified staff).
However, you should make sure you have the right
health insurance plan to cover the often high costs of these treatments. Some insurance providers offer specific plans for medical tourism, including the reimbursement of medical expenses, medical repatriation if necessary, and sometimes even travel expenses for a family member.
Brazil is also known for its simplified medical tourist visa process, making it easier for medical tourists to enter the country.
Doctors’ visits in Brazil
Brazilian GPs or family doctors provide routine medical care (cold, flu, etc.). Doctors in large cities such as São Paulo often speak several languages (English, French and/or Spanish).
The private sector is strongly developing and services are of very high quality; however, medical care can be very expensive. Rates vary from one city to another. For example, in Brasilia, consultation costs R$120 (USD 51) on average and can go up to R$500 (USD 214). In São Paulo, consultation costs R$300 on average (USD 128) and between R$200 and R$250 in Rio de Janeiro (USD 85 and USD 107).
As there are not enough doctors, it can be difficult to get an appointment quickly.
Specialist doctors in Brazil: Consultations with a specialist cost an average of €185. It is not necessary to see a GP beforehand, you can directly ask for an appointment with the specialist. As there are only a few specialist doctors, it can take time to get an appointment.
Buying medication in Brazil
Medication included on the national list of essential medicines is covered by the SUS. For medicines not covered by the SUS, "
farmacias populares" charge affordable prices.
Hospitalization in Brazil
- Emergencies: Emergency services are open 24 hours a day in most hospitals but waiting times for public hospitals are very long, especially in the big cities.
- Brazilian hospitals: Public hospital care is free. However, Brazil's public hospitals are overcrowded, with busy waiting rooms. Some Brazilian hospitals have their own ambulance service.
An increasing number of Brazilians prefer to turn to private hospitals which use advanced technology and provide high-quality medical equipment. Medical staff are also very efficient.
